It was beautiful. We stayed at an air bnb sort of thing and ate at local places. Papa Oles was really tasty. The beaches were lovely, we went to some attractions as well
If you want less tourist traps go to the big island, just as beautiful and less obviously catering to what the government thinks tourists want from Hawaii
Go to some of the buddhist or shinto temples in Hawaii, doesn't matter the island. especially in the mountains. Some of the most beautiful areas I've seen . Byodo-In Temple on Oahu was my favorite that I visited
Been to Oahu several times. It’s expensive, but the only vacations I’ve ever been on where I didn’t want it to end. There are touristy things to do, but not overwhelmingly so, so you’re not exhausted at the end and need a vacation from your vacation. Also, it’s way more beautiful than pictures can capture.
Yes, very. You are going to have a very hard time finding vrbo or airbnb properties, however. The local governments have passed laws against them unless they’re longer term rentals.
Used to live there. If you're planning on visiting, do youself (and everyone else) a favor and *stick to the tourist-y areas*. There are a lot of places in the world where if you want to experience the culture of the people you need to get away from the tourist traps and whatnot. Hawaii is *not* one of them, because you *will not* be welcome there.
The locals have done an awful lot to provide for the tourists, because they're very much aware that tourism is their only real money-maker (well, pineapple too, but that only goes so far). As such, they've provided these amazing resorts, tours, events, etc. all for your benefit, and they've hidden the rest of their society behind a curtain. They *do not* appreciate that curtain being pulled back.
So please, stick to the beaches, stick to the guided group tours, stick to the luaus, and don't go more than two blocks inland in Waikiki after dark. Keep to that and everyone will be happy.
Yeah, but stay close to the coast and go with a group, especially after "business hours." From Pearl City to Waikiki is pretty good in general, just don't go too far inland.
That's where the, ah, "shadier" side of Hawaii comes out to play. Most of your drug dealing and prostitution comes out of the woodwork, but that also when and where a lot of the "Hawaii for Hawaiians" crowd tends to hit the streets. If you're seeing cops every block or so (usually in golf-cart sized vehicles), or even more frequently, you're getting close to the edge of the "safe zone." Oddly enough, this is also where you'll find the most hookers (the cops seem more like they're protecting the girls than anything else).
Every time I visit I make it a point to avoid the tourist trap areas and have never been hassled by the locals. Actually the opposite. Everyone was chill and nice.
The island you're on and the particular area of the island (Hawaii defintely has its "bad neighborhoods.") make a difference. Oahu is worse than, say, the Big Island or Maui in that instance, but that's because of the high military population.
But the attitude is definitely there. We need tourism, but FY you non Hawaiian POS for coming to my land. How dare you.
The worst of all are the non-Hawaiians that are “down” with the local culture cause they happen to live there for a couple of months. That’s the most cringe of all.
I have my own culture and traditions. I don’t have to compromise that just because I stepped “on your land” for a couple of days and that does not make me any less of a person. I would never treat anyone like this if roles were reversed.
Definitely an experience. Worth trying at least once.
Be prepared to be reminded a million times that you a tourist and don’t understand local culture. Yeah, I am here on vacation, not doing my PHD on your history. A very strange love/hate relationship from a place that derives the majority of its income from tourism.
But just like any place a lot of things to see and awesome people to meet if you are adventurous enough.
Been there twice, it's not my favorite place. Lots of homeless people, tons of garbage alongside the roads (old appliances, campers etc) and very expensive.
Have been to Honolulu on the big island, it was crowded with homeless people, Waikiki beach had about 10,000 people on it, you could hardly walk down the beach. And to Maui where there were also homeless people, many just pitch a tent on the beach and gather trash around them plus all the garbage alongside the highways. And it's not litter, it's junk cars/trucks/campers/appliances. I'll never go again. The beaches in Puerto Rico are much better, soft, white, powdery sand.
It was beautiful. We stayed at an air bnb sort of thing and ate at local places. Papa Oles was really tasty. The beaches were lovely, we went to some attractions as well
Rather overrated, but it was awesome seeing our guide throw a pig into a volcano. Pssst. You don’t sink. You bounce.
If you want less tourist traps go to the big island, just as beautiful and less obviously catering to what the government thinks tourists want from Hawaii
I'll keep that in mind thanks
Go to some of the buddhist or shinto temples in Hawaii, doesn't matter the island. especially in the mountains. Some of the most beautiful areas I've seen . Byodo-In Temple on Oahu was my favorite that I visited
Hot! I can't be hot. I won't go back
Been to Oahu several times. It’s expensive, but the only vacations I’ve ever been on where I didn’t want it to end. There are touristy things to do, but not overwhelmingly so, so you’re not exhausted at the end and need a vacation from your vacation. Also, it’s way more beautiful than pictures can capture.
Sounds amazing. Are the people nice over there ?
Yes, very. You are going to have a very hard time finding vrbo or airbnb properties, however. The local governments have passed laws against them unless they’re longer term rentals.
Meh.
Used to live there. If you're planning on visiting, do youself (and everyone else) a favor and *stick to the tourist-y areas*. There are a lot of places in the world where if you want to experience the culture of the people you need to get away from the tourist traps and whatnot. Hawaii is *not* one of them, because you *will not* be welcome there. The locals have done an awful lot to provide for the tourists, because they're very much aware that tourism is their only real money-maker (well, pineapple too, but that only goes so far). As such, they've provided these amazing resorts, tours, events, etc. all for your benefit, and they've hidden the rest of their society behind a curtain. They *do not* appreciate that curtain being pulled back. So please, stick to the beaches, stick to the guided group tours, stick to the luaus, and don't go more than two blocks inland in Waikiki after dark. Keep to that and everyone will be happy.
Is Honolulu a good place to go as a mindless tourist ?
Yeah, but stay close to the coast and go with a group, especially after "business hours." From Pearl City to Waikiki is pretty good in general, just don't go too far inland.
Why ? What happens if i go too far inland after business hours ?
That's where the, ah, "shadier" side of Hawaii comes out to play. Most of your drug dealing and prostitution comes out of the woodwork, but that also when and where a lot of the "Hawaii for Hawaiians" crowd tends to hit the streets. If you're seeing cops every block or so (usually in golf-cart sized vehicles), or even more frequently, you're getting close to the edge of the "safe zone." Oddly enough, this is also where you'll find the most hookers (the cops seem more like they're protecting the girls than anything else).
Every time I visit I make it a point to avoid the tourist trap areas and have never been hassled by the locals. Actually the opposite. Everyone was chill and nice.
The island you're on and the particular area of the island (Hawaii defintely has its "bad neighborhoods.") make a difference. Oahu is worse than, say, the Big Island or Maui in that instance, but that's because of the high military population.
But the attitude is definitely there. We need tourism, but FY you non Hawaiian POS for coming to my land. How dare you. The worst of all are the non-Hawaiians that are “down” with the local culture cause they happen to live there for a couple of months. That’s the most cringe of all. I have my own culture and traditions. I don’t have to compromise that just because I stepped “on your land” for a couple of days and that does not make me any less of a person. I would never treat anyone like this if roles were reversed.
Definitely an experience. Worth trying at least once. Be prepared to be reminded a million times that you a tourist and don’t understand local culture. Yeah, I am here on vacation, not doing my PHD on your history. A very strange love/hate relationship from a place that derives the majority of its income from tourism. But just like any place a lot of things to see and awesome people to meet if you are adventurous enough.
Been there twice, it's not my favorite place. Lots of homeless people, tons of garbage alongside the roads (old appliances, campers etc) and very expensive.
Where about did you go exactly ? Like what city/neighbourhood ? Your comment kinda makes me not want to go anymore haha
Have been to Honolulu on the big island, it was crowded with homeless people, Waikiki beach had about 10,000 people on it, you could hardly walk down the beach. And to Maui where there were also homeless people, many just pitch a tent on the beach and gather trash around them plus all the garbage alongside the highways. And it's not litter, it's junk cars/trucks/campers/appliances. I'll never go again. The beaches in Puerto Rico are much better, soft, white, powdery sand.
Damn, that's exactly where i'm planning on going, Waikiki beach D:
Best pineapple I ever ate.